The Leader and Executive Board have called for the meeting which has now been agreed by the Chair of Council Cllr Terry Davies.

It will take place on Thursday, February 27, and the only items on the agenda will be reports regarding the two WAO issues.

Council Leader Cllr Kevin Madge said: “As an executive board we have been unable to discuss these issues publicly until now.

“I have said for some months I look forward to the debate and to the day when all the information, facts and evidence can be presented openly and publicly.

“It has been difficult being unable to speak out, particularly knowing the full facts and having seen all the evidence, it will be a great relief to be able to share that with all county councillors and with the public.”

Evidence relating to the two issues is being shared with all county councillors in advance of the matter going before council.

This includes advice from QCs and previous communication with the Wales Audit Office.

Cllr Madge added: “In the weeks leading up to debating these reports at council, we aim to be releasing information as and when we can, such as legal advice we were given and emails containing relevant facts.

“It is a shame these matters have dragged on as long as they have and that we haven’t been in a position previously to share information or to publicly discuss them, however this was impossible whilst the Wales Audit Office investigation was ongoing.

“I hope people can bear with us for just a short time now, I can assure them of a frank, open and honest discussion regarding these issues which I accept have caused public concern.

“I hope that people will not make their minds up about these matters prior to being in full possession of all the facts.”

The meeting is open to the public and will also be available to view on the council’s website at www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk either live or archived after the event.

Comments

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here